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Community leaders look for solutions to violent RLWC celebrations - 'This is just young people being silly'

November 13, 2017

Auckland councillor Efeso Collins says fans need to calm down but they also need designated areas to celebrate.

South Auckland community leaders and tournament organisers will meet later today to look for an answer to stopping street violence that occurs after Pacific Nations win important Rugby League World Cup matches.

The meeting was called after 53 people were arrested on Saturday evening following Tonga's historic 28-22 win over the Kiwis in Hamilton - the first time the Tier 2 nation had ever done so.

Mate Ma'a Tonga arrived in the Garden City this afternoon after their landmark win over Kiwis yesterday.

Auckland Councillor for the Manukau ward, Efeso Collins, told TVNZ1's Breakfast this morning he thinks it is only a small group ruining the fun and reputation of the larger population.

"I think the disappointment for our community is people come out and celebrate, they're enjoying Otahuhu at the moment," he said.

"Then those that didn't go home are the ones who got arrested and the police have been talking about how they're starting to sabotage what should be a celebratory moment.

"There's a feeling of dissatisfaction in the community - you've got a few young people who aren't handling their emotions very well, who are getting over-excited and hanging around after everyone else who has gone home.

People were riding on cars, playing music cheering and showing how proud they were of their team after the historic win.

"My understanding is that they're supporters of the Tongan team but I think this is just young people being silly."

However, Mr Collins said they are looking for solutions to the issue and one they hope to discuss with tournament organisers this morning is designated fan zones for people to go to before, during and after the game to the celebrate.

"What we haven't got... is fan zones - we've got The Cloud sitting there doing nothing other than collecting a bit of air.

"So we're getting together and saying, 'let's confine the activity, let's give them somewhere to really focus all of this celebration so they can go crazy - they can sing their hymns, they can wave their flags, but let's do it in a safe environment'."

Mr Collins said while a fan zone should definitely be installed in South Auckland, he believes they should be everywhere.

Tonga play their quarter-final against Lebanon in Christchurch this Saturday at 5pm - a win there would see them head to Auckland to play their semi-final at Mt Smart against the winner of England and Papua New Guinea next Saturday.

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